Just do it

   After Hurricane Zeta hit us with full force, we had more work than we could shake a stick at.  It was overwhelming especially since I was still recovering from the stroke and heart problems.  I was told to "take it easy", "do not overwork" and "let others help".  Well, that is all fine and dandy except, there was no time to take it easy and was virtually impossible not to overwork.  That part about "let others help"...well, no one did.  Son and I had to do it.  We struggled and are still neck deep in debris and repairs.  We will get there.  Today, however, was spent more in helping others.  Why?  Because that is what we do.  Bayou people help others. It is the neighborly thing to do.

  Several large trees were downed on my brother's place.  He is not in the physical condition to clean up the mess so, since Mark was home, he decided to cut the downed trees.  We would just clean up the place.  No problems.  Mark cut the huge tree and Son split the logs with the axe.  I tried to help load the smaller ones but, once again, am under orders not to do much.  While cutting, Mark had the idea that my other brother could use some of the firewood.  So...he cut, Son split and loaded wood for that brother.  After several hours, the place was cleared, the firewood was all cut, loaded, hauled and stacked and we were exhausted, yet again.  

 Folks, while we are an independent sort and will get our work done without the "let others help" crew that never shows, there are those who occasionally need a helping hand.  They do not ask.  They, too, try to fend for themselves.  This is where kindness and generosity come into play.  Just do it.  Do not wait to be asked.  Just do it.  Do not expect anything in return.  Just do it.

The "Caring Stones"

   What started as a way of sort of keeping track of the good things that happen has now escalated into an idea of keeping track of caring.  A while back I started collecting pink stones thinking that it may be a happy, little thing to do privately.  I would keep the stones in the birdbath simply because the water kept them shiny and pretty.  Eventually, the stones became a simple gift to visitors who came to the Bayou to "de-stress".  Problems were mulled over and usually just knowing someone cared meant the world of difference.  The tiny pebble was given as a token of that sincere hope that things would be better.  "Keep it in your pocket and, if times get tough, reach in and hold the stone.  You will immediately know that someone cares."  I do care.  Over the years, I have slipped many such pebbles into the hands of troubled visitors.  Many have returned to say it helped.  My heart is happy.

  Now, the habit of collecting pretty stones (not just pink) has grown to be quite large.  My pretty pebbles are still in the birdbath but, not only do they sit there waiting for someone, they each are placed with the idea of a reminder to pray, think and otherwise care about folks.  If someone needs something special, a stone is a reminder.  It is all good.  When I head to the Small Gardens, invariably, I stop at the birdbath and "count my blessings" and think of those in need.  Not that this replaces any prayers but is there to jog the idea that caring is always a good thing.

  There are no special "powers" attached to the pebbles and they are not monetarily valuable.  They are, however, priceless if these stones can remind someone that life, although hard sometimes, is good.  A dear friend (who is as close as a sister to me) dubbed the pebbles as "Caring Stones" which I think is as beautiful as it gets!  As I said before, "Pebbles or diamonds...sometimes, one is as good as the other."  Smile, folks.  Be kind to each other.  Be the kind of friend you wish you had.  Care...simply care for one another.